Psilocybin

A new study finds that individuals with treatment-resistant depression experienced similar improvements from psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy whether or not they had recently discontinued antidepressant medications.

A detailed case report describes how a 21-year-old man died from self-inflicted ocular trauma during a bad psilocybin trip. The tragic event illustrates how rare but extreme reactions to psychedelics can lead to fatal outcomes.

A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.

A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.

A new open-label study suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, may reduce symptoms in people with severe treatment-resistant depression. Improvements were sustained for up to 12 weeks, although effects were weaker in those with PTSD.

Psilocybin use has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with the biggest increases seen among adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

In a groundbreaking case report, scientists administered psilocybin to a woman in a minimally conscious state and observed increased brain complexity and new spontaneous behavior—offering a glimpse into how psychedelics might influence consciousness in severe brain injury patients.

Psilocybin therapy produced surprising benefits in a small study of people with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond improving mood, the psychedelic treatment was linked to better motor function and cognitive performance.

A new study explores combining psilocybin microdosing with neurofeedback. The method appears feasible, though it’s unclear whether it meaningfully improves mental performance.

A study of British adults found that those who had used psychedelics were 25% less likely to report frequent bad headaches, adding to growing research on psychedelics’ potential medical benefits.

Does psilocybin affect everyone the same way? New research suggests that race and ethnicity may play a role in the long-term benefits of this psychedelic substance.

A single dose of psilocybin significantly increased emotional empathy in depressed individuals for up to two weeks.

Feelings of shame and guilt are surprisingly common during psilocybin experiences, affecting most users. However, a new study reveals that constructively working through these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is linked to improved wellbeing afterward.

A psilocybin trial participant with treatment-resistant depression faced worsened suicidal thoughts and prolonged eating difficulties but ultimately experienced transformative life changes, highlighting both risks and nuanced benefits of psilocybin therapy.

Psilocybin influenced risk-reward behavior in rats, increasing caution during learning but reducing hesitation after learning. These effects varied by sex and context, highlighting psilocybin's potential to flexibly modify responses to challenging situations.